The road to recovery begins with a phone call

At the Center for Eating Disorders we know that seeking treatment for an eating disorder is a big decision and can be a difficult step to take. Individuals may feel anxious or conflicted about reaching out for help, even when they are motivated to begin the healing process. That’s why we’ve developed an evaluation process that is private, easy to initiate and facilitated by specially trained admissions coordinators. The following is a brief overview of the evaluation process so you know what to expect and how to proceed.

CALL (410) 938-5252 TO BEGIN THE ASSESSMENT

Over-the-Phone Assessment

When you call The Center for Eating Disorders you will speak with a highly trained clinician who can answer all of your questions about our program. If you’re interested in pursuing treatment for you or a loved one, the intake coordinator will conduct a brief but thorough assessment over the phone that includes important questions related to the following topics:

Personal concerns and goals for seeking treatment

Brief history of the eating disorder and any prior treatment

Description of current daily meals, exercise and body image concerns

Current frequency and severity of eating disorder symptoms

Current weight, recent changes in weight/weight fluctuations

Overall health, medical problems or physical symptoms

Co-occurring diagnoses and current medications

Insurance information

Additional providers or specialists you see on a regular basis

During this phone assessment, the admissions coordinator will talk with you about your situation and the type of treatment you are seeking before providing initial recommendations about the CED program that could best fit your needs. This is a great time to ask questions about the program or discuss any personal concerns or special needs you might have related to treatment.

Formal Evaluation & Intake Process

After the initial phone screening, and based on the recommendations of our admissions coordinator, the next step would be to schedule an appointment for a formal intake and evaluation in our office. During this initial evaluation appointment you will meet with one of our board-certified psychiatrists who will complete a comprehensive interview with you and begin the process of developing an individualized treatment plan.

Evaluation for Outpatient Therapy

For many individuals, the formal evaluation is the first step to beginning outpatient therapy. Based on the evaluation, treatment recommendations may include any or all of the following: individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, nutritional counseling and medication management. The psychiatrist you meet with will discuss treatment options with you and help to develop a personalized treatment plan. Following the initial evaluation, our staff will help you navigate the insurance process and connect you with the appropriate providers for ongoing weekly appointments.

Evaluation & Intake for Inpatient and Partial Hospital

For individuals entering one of our higher levels of care, the formal evaluation process is an important part of the larger admissions process that takes place on the same day. On the day of evaluation and admission into the program, patients and families can expect all of the following to take place:

A member of our staff will measure and record your vital signs

Formal evaluation with board-certified psychiatrist

Our admissions nurse will meet with you to review your treatment needs, address any additional questions and provide education about our program and the treatment process

Review of paperwork and insurance documents

Tour of the unit and introduction to CED treatment staff

Physical exam and blood work

Safety protocols, review of patient policies and procedures

Regardless of which level of care you are pursuing, it’s normal to have a lot of questions about the evaluation and admission process. When you call, we encourage you to be open and honest about your needs and concerns so that we can do our best to help you get connected to the most appropriate treatment program and support you in moving forward in the recovery process.

Additional Helpful Information

Free Weekly Support Group

Join us each week from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a recovery-focused support group open to anyone struggling with any type of eating disorder as well as friends, family and support people. This group is FREE and facilitated by a licensed clinician.

#LetsCheckIn VIDEOS

These four video vignettes provide examples of real-life interactions, negative self-talk and disordered eating behaviors that indicate it might be time to check in more closely with a friend or family member.

Free Weekly Support Group

Join us each week from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a recovery-focused support group open to anyone struggling with any type of eating disorder as well as friends, family and support people. This group is FREE and facilitated by a licensed clinician.